Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) chief Ng Cher Pong says 'AI bilingualism'-the ability to combine artificial intelligence skills with industry expertise-is becoming increasingly critical as AI adoption accelerates across the economy.
Speaking ahead of the ATxSummit, Ng noted tech roles in non-tech industries are growing three to four times faster than in the tech sector itself. He emphasized that AI value creation comes from marrying technical skills with domain expertise. Singapore is focused on ensuring AI adoption reaches all sectors, including SMEs, through workforce transformation and sector-specific AI fluency programs. The first wave targets legal and accounting professionals, with more industries to follow. The country's national AI strategy centers on healthcare, finance, advanced manufacturing, and connectivity, but Ng stressed that benefits must spread across the entire economy.